US military forces have begun arriving in Israel to take part in the largest joint missile defense exercise of its kind, which will begin next week.

One thousand American soldiers will arrive on Israeli territory and a further 2,000 US troops in Europe and the United States will take part via remote defense computing systems.

An equal number of Israeli soldiers will be involved.

During the drill, named Austere Challenge 12, Israeli air defense systems, such as the Iron Dome anti-rocket shield and Arrow 2 anti-ballistic missile batteries, will be deployed, as well as US and Israeli Patriot batteries. American naval ships carrying the Aegis combat system, which can intercept missiles, will take part, and at least one US Navy ship will dock at Haifa.

[2] Does This US And Israel Joint Missile Defense Drill Say Anything About Plans For Iran?: http://www.prisonplanet.com/does-this-us-and-israel-joint-missile-defense-drill-say-anything-about-plans-for-iran.html

[3] Massive US-Israel air drill set for this month: http://www.prisonplanet.com/massive-us-israel-air-drill-set-for-this-month.html

[4] US, Israel to launch largest war game: http://www.prisonplanet.com/us-israel-to-launch-largest-war-game.html